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One of the hottest topics of the 2017 NBA offseason has interestingly been what Cleveland Cavaliers star LeBron James will do in 2018 free agency. While we’re just under a year away from that time, the rumors have already been heating up that he may be interested in heading to Los Angeles. That’s just the starting point, though, and it seems that the recruitment of James throughout the NBA has begun to pick up steam.
Most recently, it was Los Angeles Angels star outfielder Mike Trout who joined in, but he isn’t recruiting for LeBron to come to Los Angeles. Instead, Trout wants James to #TrustTheProcess and head to the Philadelphia 76ers.
This comes just days after Ben Simmons seemingly did his own recruiting of James through a cryptic tweet which sent the internet into a frenzy.
https://twitter.com/BenSimmons25/status/887414039365562368
Trout, who grew up in Millville, New Jersey, which is less than an hour from Philadelphia, told the Philly Voice in a May interview that he’s a big Sixers fan. When asked by Ryan Lawrence if he “trusts the process,” the Angels outfielder didn’t shy away.
“Oh yeah. I like the way they’re going. I was a big Sixers fan growing up and still am. With all of the picks they’ve got coming, they should be headed in the right direction.” Trout said.
That explains it, but even still it’d be tough to envision James going to the 76ers in free agency next offseason. While Philadelphia is certainly trending in the right direction and they’re a young team that’s on the rise, James hasn’t been linked to them in any way. But, as Jeff Zillgitt of USA TODAY Sports pointed out, James is “frustrated” and “concerned” with the Cavaliers’ offseason efforts.
There’s a very serious reason to believe that NBA fans could wind up seeing another “Decision” from LeBron during 2018 free agency. But, maybe Cleveland can right the ship and keep James happy and in town for the long haul. Either way, the recruiting will only pick up steam until the MVP is under contract next offseason somewhere.